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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was announced by the MLB as the final contestant for the 2024 Home Run Derby. Hernandez is one of six Dodgers selected for the All-Star game on July 16.
He expressed his joy at getting the opportunity when he was mic'd up while playing the outfield during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
"That was going to be huge for me. Just to get the opportunity to be in there, enjoy that moment and enjoy the stage. Like I always say, 'just have fun, and why not try to win everything,'" Hernandez said during the broadcast.
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Teoscar Hernandez signed a 1-year, $23.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2024 season. He has established himself as a key component in the middle of their batting lineup with 19 home runs. Only Shohei Ohtani, who leads the National League with 28, has more home runs for the Dodgers than Hernandez this season.
While the choice was popular among Dodgers faithful, the majority of MLB fans were not thrilled. Some felt that other players deserved the opportunity more than Hernandez and voiced their thoughts on social media.
"Lol this lineup just shows the lack of talent in today's game," was the opinion of one fan.
"THEY LETTING ANYONE IN," said another.
"I will not be watching," another fan said.
Some fans named a few players they would have preferred to see in the Home Run Derby.
"Should have been Christian Walker," one fan said.
"Not watching since no Yordan Alvarez," wrote one fan.
"Cruz has more homers than some in the HR derby. He has the highest exit velocity only second to Judge," another fan pointed out.
Although Hernandez is currently in the fifth spot in the NL home run tally, he ranks outside the top 10 in the entire MLB.
Teoscar Hernandez has a fair chance of becoming the Home Run Derby champ
Teoscar Hernandez will come up against seven other sluggers from different teams in the 2024 Home Run Derby. They are Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles), Pete Alonso (New York Mets), Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians), Marcell Ozuna (Atlanta Braves), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Adolis Garcia (Texas Rangers), and Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies).
The Los Angeles Dodgers player has a genuine shot at being crowned the winner, as only three of the other contestants have hit more home runs than him this year.
